East Molesey village guide 2015

PUBLISHED: 14:20 24 August 2015 | UPDATED: 16:04 24 August 2015

Words and photos: Matthew Williams

Taking life easy on the River Thames (Photo: Matthew Williams)

Archant

Expect a royal affair in East Molesey, as you enjoy the riverside life by the world-famous Hampton Court Palace. Hire a boat and chase the current or settle back and watch the world flow by at a pub or restaurant

Did you know?

1 So it’s probably fair to say that East Molesey is most famous for its place in Hampton Court Palace’s postal address, so we’ll get that out the way first. Regular Surrey Life readers will have read plenty about Henry VIII’s favourite palace in the past year, so what might you have missed? How about the world’s largest vine? The Grand Vine has a circumference of 12ft 5in and branches over 100ft long.

2 Oh, and you may also be interested to know that the first tennis court at Hampton Court Palace was built all the way back in the 1500s for Cardinal Wolsey.

3 Hampton Court Palace may dominate things these days, but the historic centre of the area was actually St Mary’s Church and the River Mole.

4 But things go back far further than that. At Hurst Park, excavations show that the area was continuously used from the Neolithic (4000-2200 BC) period. Key features include a late Bronze Age settlement.

5 While West Molesey, Molesey and East Molesey all lie on the Walton Road to Walton-on-Thames, the first hub you get to is at Bridge Road – the shops, pubs and restaurants of which make it a village in its own right.

6 Fancy messing around on boats? Then make sure to head to the East Molesey side of the Lutyens-designed Hampton Court Bridge, where you’ll find the pale blue rowers of J Martin & Son. A short trip down the river takes in views of some beautiful houseboats.

7 The area is a haven for interiors inspiration and unusual ideas, with Moore’s Miscellanea and Hampton Court Emporium certainly among the quirkiest shops.

8 Founded in 1866, Molesey Boat Club has a reputation for international success. Among the most famous current members is Olympic hero Andrew Triggs Hodge. Molesey Regatta takes place every July.

9 Seals have been known to frequent Molesey Lock, presumably taking an underwater tourist detour from their normal life. The lock’s 1905 rebuild was carried out to accommodate the long 200ft naval craft built at Platt’s Eyot, just upstream of the lock.

10 Across the bridge and past Hampton Court Palace and its Lion Gate, you’ll find Bushy Park and its spectacular Diana Fountain and deer herds.

***

A pocket guide:

Drink at: The Poyntz Arms on Walton Road is known for its live music and Bridge Road’s Prince of Wales is big on boutique brewers.

She may have recently moved to the seaside, but Surrey still holds a uniquely “precious” place in the heart of legendary children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson – not to mention the crucial role the county played in bringing everyone’s favourite and newly-returning feisty foster-kid to life

Historic Royal Palaces and IMG have announced that Kylie Minogue is the first headliner confirmed for Hampton Court Palace Festival 2019. These will be her only London shows of summer 2019. Here’s how you can get tickets

It’s that time of year when our beautiful countryside is alight with the colours of autumn. Here, we pick out some of her favourite spots to enjoy the seasonal splendour – as well as some perfect places for a post-walk refresher

Found on the stretch of the River Thames between Weybridge and East Molesey, Sunbury-on-Thames is blessed with a village feel where it meets the water. From antique hunts to the joys of river life, here are a few of our favourite reasons to visit

Verity & Violet are Loui and Jess – a singing duo from Surrey who specialise in blending vintage classics with modern favourites. The two have achieved success in the capital, but are now hoping to attract an audience closer to home

With the Christmas celebrations seemingly starting earlier every year, it all feels a little too ‘soon’ sometimes, but what if you want to look your best for Christmas & New year celebrations and are considering having cosmetic non-surgical procedures? The Bella Vou Pantiles Clinic offers surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures and treatments from a purpose-built private clinic in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells

Living in England’s most densely wooded county, it’s always a pleasure to witness Surrey donning its autumn finery. Here’s some of the best places to do just that - plus a few pub pit stops to enjoy on route!